What is a Night Guard?
A night guard is an appliance much like a retainer that people put in their mouths to protect their teeth while they are sleeping. This device is commonly used by people who suffer form Bruxism, or excessive nighttime toth grinding or clenching . This grinding and clenching puts pressure on the jaw, which can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, severe headaches, ear pain and neck pain as well as causing excessive wear to the teeth.
Thin transparent, and horseshoe-shaped, dental night guards are created from hard but moldable plastics. The night guard fits over either the upper or the lower teeth, creating a cushion between them and absorbing the impact of the grinding or clenching. Night guards can help reduce enamel damage, jaw joint inflammation and irritation to the gums . Overall, most night guard wearers report they have less pain and sleep better.
In order to be truly effective, night guards need to be custom-made for each individual. It typically takes two dental appointments to receive a night guard. During the initial visit, the dentist takes a bite record and makes an impression of the patients teeth. These will be used to create a customized night guard that allows for proper teeth alignment.During the second appointment, the patient gives the night guard a test run and the dentist makes necessary adjustments. Night guards can last up to ten years if they are given proper care.Night guards should always be rinsed just before and just after wearing , and they need to be brushed with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive tooth paste or denture cleaner once a day. They should also be soaked in a mild dish washing soap such as 'Dawn" once a week to keep them clean and fresh.
Many people view the night guard as a simple solution for protecting teeth and jaws form the damaging effects of bruxism. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of repairing or capping worn down teeth will be even more expensive than one of the these nighttime dental appliances.
